Scotland only needs to look at Iceland or Ireland to see what the likely future of its economy lies. Both countries are still reeling from their boom and bust cycles. Joining the EU and the euro is unlikely, especially with such instability from Greece and Spain - not to mention that the EU has pretty much said that new members are off the table now - and there's no precedent for a former part of an EU member automatically joining. It would require all current member states to agree to a new member joining and who knows what kind of relationship England + Scotland will have by the end of this? Also, there's no guarantee of an opt-out for Scotland for the Euro in the first place, since it didn't have legal personality when opt outs occurred, so it never technically opted out (International Law is sh*t like that). So where does that leave Scotland? Join the EU, get a safety net, and be possibly forced to join the Euro? Or float around like Iceland and then have something disastrous happen, without a safety net at all?

Well unlike most folks especially in your neck of the woods I'm not obssesed with Economy, finance or whatever threatning BS im fed from media and the like. Finance has its place I guess ...nothing more or less. I'm more interested in people living happy lives not consumed by rediculous materialism.

Well unlike most folks especially in your neck of the woods I'm not obssesed with Economy, finance or whatever threatning BS im fed from media and the like. Finance has its place I guess ...nothing more or less. I'm more interested in people living happy lives not consumed by rediculous materialism.

Your location is Seattle, USA. I seriously don't understand what "my neck of the woods" is when you live there yourself.

Materialism has nothing to do with it - keeping small business afloat and people's livelihoods are important. Making sure that people live in a state of stability is important. "Happy lives" are subjective.

Your location is Seattle, USA. I seriously don't understand what "my neck of the woods" is when you live there yourself.

Materialism has nothing to do with it - keeping small business afloat and people's livelihoods are important. Making sure that people live in a state of stability is important. "Happy lives" are subjective.

People livelihoods aren't just 'important' .. combined with health and education... they are critical. That is stability. If you think that is dependant on where the likes of a dow jones sits today... you are deluded.

People livelihoods aren't just 'important' .. combined with health and education... they are critical. That is stability. If you think that is dependant on where the likes of a dow jones sits today... you are deluded.

Where did I say anything about the Dow Jones? Stability of an economy allows for good healthcare and affordable education.

I've lived in many countries as well. I was not born and raised in America. So I don't understand what that has to do with anything. You're there now, just like I'm currently in London.

I do not presume to know anything about American Politics. You may wish to note this is not the appropriate thread,

So you have no opinion on Obama and Romney? You had no opinion on Clinton or Bush? Those figures might as well have been mythical as far as you were concerned, since you don't live in the USA and their actions are irrelevant to you?

If I didn't know better I would think you were spouting utter wank for the sake of preserving a nonsensical opinion.

Where did I say anything about the Dow Jones? Stability of an economy allows for good healthcare and affordable education.

I've lived in many countries as well. I was not born and raised in America. So I don't understand what that has to do with anything. You're there now, just like I'm currently in London.

I didnt say YOU did mention the dow jones.....I included the magic word ...'if'

Also... affordable education should be affordable....or free....in a day when everyone reminds each other of how easy it is to obtain information via the internet & associated technology.....and how poor the standards of teaching have become.... and how in era's gone by education cost nothing. governments will be telling you next that its costs money to breathe fresh air ...and the brainwashed will probably accept that.

Anyway...im off to talk about Muzza and the tennis ...which is what I thought this site was for ...its alot more interesting...bye for now

So you have no opinion on Obama and Romney? You had no opinion on Clinton or Bush? Those figures might as well have been mythical as far as you were concerned, since you don't live in the USA and their actions are irrelevant to you?

If I didn't know better I would think you were spouting utter wank for the sake of preserving a nonsensical opinion.

Sorry, but no - the thread is entitled 'Scottish Politics' and that was where my comments were placed. If you want to start an American equivalent - go ahead.